At Paseo, we’re lucky to be surrounded by some of Austin’s best parks all within minutes of your front door. But with options ranging from quiet trails to concert-ready greenspaces, it’s not always obvious which park best suits your plans.
Whether you’re a dog owner searching for an off-leash park, in need of a lakeside trail for a jog or craving a refreshing swimming spot, we have put together this list of our favorite outdoor escapes around downtown so you can find your perfect spot.
1. Rainey Street Trailhead
Address: Cummings St.
Distance from Paseo: 7-minute walk
Hours: 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Just off the end of Rainey Street, this two-acre green space connects the neighborhood to the lake and trail. With a natural playscape, shady seating and a floating dock, the Rainey Street Trailhead is perfect for morning jogs, weekend hangs or a peaceful reset close to home.
2. Waller Beach at Lady Bird Lake
Address: 30 East Ave
Distance from Paseo: 10-minute walk
Hours: 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Waller Beach at Lady Bird Lake is a serene waterfront spot with direct access to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. With shaded grassy areas and a laid-back vibe, it’s perfect for quiet dog walks, lakeside strolls, or launching a paddleboard onto Lady Bird Lake. The park’s mellow atmosphere makes it a go-to for low-key outdoor time without leaving the city energy behind.
3. Auditorium Shores Park
Address: 900 W Riverside Dr.
Distance from Paseo: 4-min drive, 15-min walk
Hours: 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.
This expansive waterfront park is a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts and dog owners alike. Featuring wide open lawns, an off-leash dog area and access to Lady Bird Lake, it’s a perfect spot for a morning jog or an afternoon picnic. The park is also a popular venue for live music events and festivals, making it a lively gathering space throughout the year.
4. Republic Square
Address: 422 Guadalupe St.
Distance from Paseo: 4-min drive, 15-min walk
Hours: 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Located just a few blocks from Paseo, Republic Square is a historic green space in the middle of the city. It’s home to the SFC Farmers’ Market every Saturday, where you can shop for fresh produce, coffee and artisanal goods. The park also features plenty of seating and shaded areas, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a lunch break or catch up on some reading.
5. Waterloo Park
Address: 500 E 12th St.
Distance from Paseo: 8-minute drive, 28-min walk
Hours: 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.
After an extensive renovation, Waterloo Park has become one of Austin’s most exciting green spaces. The park features winding trails, scenic gardens and the Moody Amphitheater, which hosts concerts and community events throughout the year.
6. Zilker Park
Address: 2201 Barton Springs Rd.
Distance from Paseo: 12-minute drive
Hours: 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Arguably Austin’s most famous park, Zilker Park is a 350-acre outdoor oasis filled with hiking trails, open green spaces and iconic attractions like Barton Springs Pool. It’s the perfect place for an afternoon picnic, a game of frisbee or paddle boarding on Lady Bird Lake. Whether you’re up for a workout or a relaxing day in the sun, Zilker is a must-visit.
Here’s a quick look at each park’s highlights, amenities, and what they’re best for.
| Park | Trails | Bike Paths | Dog Friendly | Waterfront Access | Distance from Paseo | Best For |
| Rainey Street Trailhead | Yes | Yes | Yes (on-leash) | Yes | 7-minute walk | Quick trail access, morning jogs, sunset strolls |
| Waller Beach | Yes | Yes | Yes (on-leash) | Yes | 10-min walk | Waterfront access, quiet escapes, dog walks |
| Auditorium Shores | Yes | Yes | Yes (off-leash area) | Yes | 23-min walk | Dog friendly, skyline sunsets, live music |
| Republic Square | No | No | Yes | No | 24-min walk | Farmers markets, socialising, shaded seating |
| Waterloo Park | Yes | Yes | Yes (on-leash) | No | 28-min walk | Events, community gatherings, garden walks |
| Zilker Park | Yes | Yes | Yes (off-leash area) | Yes | 12-min drive | Paddle boarding, group hangs, sunbathing, swimming, concerts. |
We hope that this list of some of our favorite happy hours helps you continue to explore downtown Austin! If there is anything else the Paseo team can help you with, please contact our leasing office.
Katie Stafford
Katie is a regular contributing author for Paseo, covering leasing tips and all things downtown Austin. She has 2 years of experience in multifamily leasing and marketing. In her free time, you'll find Katie baking, hiking, or planning her next trip.
June 10, 2025